Matt's got a heavy responsibility to shoulder- he's got to do the chip shops, as Cat won't ever go into them - well, hardly ever, anyway. But the problem with this task is that it does limit his access to fish and chip emporia which are not close to his home in East Wight - because a takeaway that's been in the car for half an hour probably isn't going to get a fair review.

So it was with pleasure that Matt recently took the opportunity to taste the wares of the Rainbow Fish Bar, a prominent feature of Freshwater's busy Avenue Road. Working late out west, Matt needed to grab a bite before he went on to a meeting. He could have been sensible, and gone into the Co-op for some healthy wrap and a carton of juice. Or he could have pulled his jacket over his head and marched down Avenue Road clucking like a chicken - it's about as likely. No, friends, it was straight to the chip shop he went.

On arrival there was a very cheerful welcome - and this amiable chat continued as Matt waited for his order. It was early in the evening so the hot cupboards were well stocked with sausages and the like. Pleasingly all the fish was cooked to order and Matt waited whilst his haddock was given the treatment. The Rainbow Fish Bar is a funny little place, a fish bar of the old school; spotless and gleaming, with a phalanx of smartly uniformed servers just itching to dish out fish.

Review continues:

When it arrived Matt was delighted by the size of the haddock and the generous chip allowance, all correctly wrapped in newsprint. Matt received his supper in a plastic bag, and, taking a couple of chip forks and serviettes, he set off to make his impromptu repast. Not wanting to sit in the meeting-hall scoffing chips, Matt settled in the car to listen to Radio 4 and dine alone.

Spread on his lap, the meal laid out before him was very pleasing. Crisp batter generously coated the haddock, which in turn was fresh and moist, with that everso slightly chewy texture that gives haddock a bit of edge. The chips too were piping hot and fresh, and like the fish did not stick to the paper nor show much sign of excess grease. A tasty treat for Matt, who set off for his meeting with renewed vigour. The Rainbow Fish Bar gets full marks.